Solar Power Panels or Cells in Series Circuits

A solar cell is an electrical device which helps to convert the sun's energy into electrical energy by capturing its rays. This is known as the photovoltaic effect. Solar modules or panels may be made using many individual cells connected together. When they are connected they usually produce a lot of energy which is known as solar power.

What are cells?

Cells may be described as photovoltaic even if the source of energy is not necessarily the sun. The term is however usually used to generally refer to the process of generating electricity from the sun. Photovoltaic models usually have a glass sheet in front and this allows maximum light from the sun to pass through as well as protect the wafers, which are semiconductors, from any abrasion by debris driven by the wind.

Wiring power cells

There are many ways that one may wire power cells. However, the most commonly used is the series circuit. Once one grasps the process of connecting the wires and sells correctly it becomes very easy. In every cell, there is usually a negative and positive side. The current is thus supposed to be passed from a negative terminal to a positive one and the other way round as well.

However, when one wants to use a series connection, there are a few things that should be considered. Please look Table 1. For example, one should keep in mind that the voltage of each cell is taken individually and added to another one in order to come up with the total current. For example if each cell has a total voltage of 6, and there are three cells, the total voltage is then added (6+6+6 =18volts).

(Table 1.)
Solar Power Panels in Series Circuits

How solar power cells started being used?

Solar power cells began to be used when one came up with the bright idea of adding them to a satellite system. Originally, the satellite would only be powered by a battery and it would only last for a very short while when it was ran down. However, when the cells were added to the fuselage, the time would be increased and there wouldn't be any major changes to the power systems of the space craft. Moreover at first, there was some hesitation, but with time and after some practice, use of the cells was a very huge success. The cells gained popularity at a fast rate and were designed into various new satellites.

Furthermore, the improvement process was slow at first but it eventually gained momentum and began to be used all over the country. However, their success is what led to the slow progress since the space users didn't mind paying any possible amount for only the best cells available. Therefore they didn't invest in the lower cost solutions if they reduced efficiency.

The semi-conductor industry is the one which determined the cost of cells.
Another important factor to remember when it comes to a series circuit is that the current produced always remains constant. That is, if there are three cells of six volts and a current of two hundred ampere hours each, they may be connected in a series circuit and the total voltage would be eighteen volts (6+6+6=18) but the current remains two hundred ampere hours.

Solar Power Panels in Series Circuits Simple Schematic
Solar Power Panels in Series Circuits Simple Schematic

Solar cells wired in a series circuit are used a lot in industries to get maximum power output. Most of the time, they are usually connected electrically and there are also encapsulated. The solar power cells are mostly connected in series so as to create maximum voltage output. Moreover, the solar panels may be used to recharge or power portable devices. They could also be used in rural areas where there is no electricity because it is more economical and environmentally friendly.

8 Responses to " Solar Power Panels or Cells in Series Circuits "

  1. Robert says:

    Why, in serial connections, does twic the voltage result from the circuit.
    Why does twice the current result from a parallel circuit?

  2. sasi says:

    i have 36 individual solar cells ,cell specifications are like below 1.8 wp,3.6 ma, 0.5v , if these cells are connected in series what is the total power i get? which connections are better either series or parallel?

  3. Ashish says:

    Can I connect two different panels one rating V=36V, I=8.5A, P=230W and another V=88V,I=1.9A, P=110W in series????

  4. sanjaya says:

    I connect four 50 watt panel parallel but out current is max 3Amps? when i check singal panel same time it gives 1.8 Amps. healp me.

  5. barney says:

    Greetings Can I charge a 12volt battery with a 24v solar panel if I am using a 12v/24v regulator? Thanks in advance for your response to my query.

  6. suranga says:

    12KW solar power system we used 12KW SMA inverter.the problem is 2nd string connected 18 panels,voltage ok.but current very low.what ‘s the matter help me..

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